Asian air route updates: AirAsia, Spring Airlines, Vistara and more

China Eastern expands operations in Sapporo

Where? Nanjing (China) to Sapporo, pictured (Japan)
When? Twice a week, effective 26 March 2017
Who? China Eastern Airlines
Why? Another new route taps the surge in demand for outbound travel and tourism from mainland China to Japan
Anything else? Japan’s fourth largest city, Sapporo has hosted both the Olympics (the Winter Games in 1972) and the World Cup (2002)

Spring adds new Cambodian flights

Where? Shanghai (China) to Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
When? Three times a week, effective 28 March 2017
Who? Spring Airlines
Why? Rising demand for Chinese tourist traffic to Cambodia; Spring will also launch flights from Shenzhen to Phnom Penh next month.
Anything else? China’s largest low-cost carrier, Spring already operates four routes to Siem Reap and one service to Phnom Penh

Vistara adds capital connection to Andaman Islands

Where? Delhi to Port Blair (both India)
When? Twice a week (Saturday & Sunday), effective 15 April 2017
Who? Vistara
Why? Direct connection from Indian capital city to one of the country’s most attractive tourist destinations, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Anything else? The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to the Sentinelese people, who have no contact with the outside world

AirAsia boosts domestic network in Malaysia

Where? Johor Bahru to Langkawi (Malaysia)
When? Four times a week, effective 28 April 2017
Who? AirAsia
Why? KL-based low-cost carrier continues to expand regional connections in Malaysia, providing new link from third largest city to popular resort island
Anything else? Johor Bahru is the southernmost city on the Eurasian landmass